How to uninstall SafeSoft PC Cleaner
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of program is SafeSoft PC Cleaner?
SafeSoft PC Cleaner is advertised as a program that makes a computer fast and secure (that cleans and optimizes a computer). We have found that a few security vendors on the VirusTotal page flagged its installer (and the program itself) as malicious. We recommend not to use programs of this kind.
More about SafeSoft PC Cleaner
SafeSoft PC Cleaner offers to scan the operating system for invalid/obsolete items in the Windows Registry, chat logs in Skype and other clients, caches, temporary files, memory dumps, invalid shortcuts, and other items and remove/optimize them. However, users cannot do it without registering SafeSoft PC Cleaner (without purchasing it).
The problem with paying for programs that are malicious (or potentially malicious) is that they can be designed to run fake system scans/display fake scan results. The purpose of such programs is to trick users into believing that they can and will detect and remove/fix various errors and other problems, improve computer performance, or be useful in other ways.
| Name | SafeSoft PC Cleaner unwanted program |
| Threat Type | Unwanted program/unwanted application |
| Supposed Functionality | PC cleaner/optimizer |
| Detection Names (Installer) | ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/Avanquest.C Potentially Unwanted), Fortinet (Riskware/Avanquest), Gridinsoft (PUP.Win32.SafeSpotPCCleaner.sd!n), Rising (PUA.Avanquest!8.1070F (CLOUD)) Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Detection Names (SafeSoft PC Cleaner) | ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/Avanquest.C Potentially Unwanted), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Symptoms | A program that you do not recall installing suddenly appeared on your computer. A new application is performing computer scans and displays warning messages about 'found issues'. Asks for payment to eliminate the supposedly found errors. |
| Distribution Methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers. |
| Damage | Monetary loss (unnecessary purchase of fake software), unwanted warning pop-ups, slow computer performance. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Programs of this kind in general
There are plenty of programs advertised as useful and legitimate. The untrustworthy ones usually are distributed using deceptive methods and (or) flagged as malicious. In most cases, their developers aim to get paid for their programs.
Sometimes, their goal is to trick users into installing programs bundled with adware, browser hijackers, and other unwanted programs.
How did unwanted applications install on my computer?
SafeSoft PC Cleaner has a couple of websites used for its promotion and can be downloaded from there. It is common for programs of this kind to be promoted via deceptive browser notifications (coming from shady websites), dubious advertisements, untrustworthy pages, and similar ways.
They are promoted/distributed using questionable methods so that users would inadvertently download and install them without fully understanding the consequences. One of the deceptive methods used to promote such programs is to use technical support scam websites claiming that a computer is infected, damaged, etc.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Do not click on advertisements displayed on shady websites or allow those pages to show notifications. Download programs (and files) from legitimate sources such as official pages and platforms. Avoid using unofficial pages, third-party downloaders, P2P networks, etc., to download them.
Also, deselect unwanted applications included in downloaders/installers before downloading/installing software. It can be achieved by changing the settings (like "Custom", "Advanced") provided in downloaders/installers. If your computer is already infected with unwanted apps, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Appearance of SafeSoft PC Cleaner application (GIF):
Installation setup of SafeSoft PC Cleaner application:
A pop-up displayed by SafeSoft PC Cleaner:
Websites promoting SafeSoft PC Cleaner application:
Instant automatic malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner
By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.
Quick menu:
- What is SafeSoft PC Cleaner?
- STEP 1. Uninstall deceptive applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Removal of potentially unwanted applications:
Windows 11 users:
Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.
Windows 10 users:
Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.
Windows 7 users:
Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.
macOS (OSX) users:
Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.
In the uninstall programs window, look for "SafeSoft PC Cleaner" and other suspicious/recently-installed applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove rogue extensions from Internet browsers:
At time of research, SafeSoft PC Cleaner did not install any unwanted browser extensions, however, some unwanted applications can be installed together with adware and browser hijackers. If you experience unwanted ads or redirects when browsing the internet, continue with the removal guide below.
Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and remove them.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the safesoft pc cleaner unwanted program, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.
After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious plugins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click on "Extensions", in the opened window remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with safesoft pc cleaner unwanted program removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.
Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, in the opened menu, click Help.
Select Troubleshooting Information.
In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....
In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.
Optional method:
Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...
In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.
Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:
Click the Edge menu icon 
(at the upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click "Remove" below their names.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the safesoft pc cleaner unwanted program, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.
In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.
Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
- If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.
Summary:
Commonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers' websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of an unwanted application?
Their developers aim to generate revenue by promoting in-app purchases, selling license/registration/activation keys, and (or) delivering unwanted advertisements.
Is SafeSoft PC Cleaner unwanted application legal?
Typically, applications of this kind are considered legal, since their End User License Agreements (EULA) typically inform users about the potential behaviour.
Is having SafeSoft PC Cleaner installed on my computer dangerous?
A couple of security vendors have flagged this program as malicious. It may not be malicious. However, it is not recommended to use it anyway.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove SafeSoft PC Cleaner unwanted application?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and remove all unwanted applications installed on it. It is recommended to remove them automatically to avoid leaving various file leftovers in the system. It is common that after manual removal, files belonging to unwanted programs remain in the system even when those programs are uninstalled.
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